Football dummy with protective handgrips



May 21, 1968 w. P. DICKENS FOOTBALL DUMMY WITH PROTECTIVE HAND GRIPSFiled Aug 24, 1965 INVENTOR WILL/AM P DICKENS United States Patent3,384,372 FOOTBALL DUMMY WITH PROTECTWE HANDGRIPS William P. Dickens,Bloomington, lnd., assignor to Indiana University Foundation, IndianaMemorial Union,

Bloomington, Ind., a not for profit organization of Indiana Filed Aug.24, 1965, Ser. No. 482,158 Claims. (Cl. 273-) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREA new and unique football dummy comprises a preformed, generallycylindrical resilient foam core, 'a semiflexible outer sheath andsemifiexible inner sheath, both sheaths being formed of vinyl-coatedfabric, with at least two fully padded, protective handgrips beingattached to the outer sheath.

This invention relates to football equipment and more particularly to anew and unique blocking dummy suitable for use in team footballpractices.

Conventionally, football blocking dummies have comprised canvas outercoverings stuffed with materials such as kapok, rags, hair, cotton, orthe like. Such dummies are relatively heavy and bulky objects and, as aresult, are difiicult to maneuver. A conventional dummy of sufficientsize for use in an organized football practice is about 54 inches talland 14 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 67 pounds. As such,the dummy lacks the maneuverability necessary for use in a modern,organized football team practice. In addition, such a dummy is so heavythat it cannot practicably be used in little league and junior highschool football programs.

Professional and college football teams often travel large distances byair to play intersectional opponents. However, in so traveling a teamhas heretofore been unable to transport its own practices dummiesbecause of their weight.

Furthermore, when a conventional dummy is subjected to continued use andabuse, the canvas outer covering eventually gives away and the stuffingutilized in the dummy pours through the opening in the canvas and islost. In order to repair the dummy, it must be restuffed (in order toreplace the stuffing that has been lost) and resewn. The use ofreinforcing materials such as leather at appropriate points on thecanvas in order to strengthen the dummy has merely served to prolong theuseful life of such a dummy at the expense of further increasing theWeight thereof. Conventional dummies are also subject to damage ifexposed to inclement weather, since they are not moisture resistant.Thus, the utility of conventional dummies is not as great as if theywere strong and durable, yet relatively light in weight.

Accordingly, the dummies heretofore employed have presented problems ofat least two varieties. Such dummies have been subject to wear afterrepeated use and when exposed to bad weather. Furthermore, the dummiesare so heavy that their utility is minimized.

In accordance with the present invention, a new and unique footballdummy has been developed in order to obviate the disadvantages inherentin the prior art structures. Briefly, the present invention comprises apreformed generally cylindrical resilient core; a semifiexible outersheath having a generally cylindrical side wall structure and aninterconnected bottom wall structure, the inside diameter of the sidewall structure being substantially the same as the diameter of the coreand the height of the side wall structure being substantially the "icesame as the height of the core; a semiflexible cover having a top wallstructure and an interconnected generally cylindrical depending sidewall structure, the inside diameter of the depending side wall structureof the cover being substantially the same as the outside diameter of theside wall structure of the outer sheath, the diameter of the core beinglarge relative to the thickness of the wall structures of the outersheath and cover, the core being disposed within the sheath and thecover being positioned over the open end of the sheath; and closingmeans detachably interlocking the cover and the outer sheath.

In addition, at least two handgrips are preferably attached to the sidewall structure of the outer sheath and protective covering means may beemployed to shield the handgrips. The described dummy may be reinforcedby means of a semifiexible sheath having a generally cylindrical sidewall structure and an interconnected top wall structure, the insidediameter of the side wall structure of the inner sheath beingsubstantially the same as the diameter of the core and the outsidediameter of the side wall structure of the inner sheath beingsubstantially the same as the inside diameter of the previouslydescribed outer sheath. The inner sheath is fitted over the core beforethe core is positioned in the outer jacket.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and uniquefootball dummy suitable for use in organized team practices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a football dummyof the character described which is lightweight and easilytransportable.

Yet another object is to provide a football dummy of the characterdescribed suitable for use in organized little league and junior highschool football programs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a football dummyof the character described that is extremely durable and, in addition,that is weather resistant.

A still further object is to provide a dummy of the character described,the component parts of which are reusable.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the presentinvention will hereinafter appear, and, for purposes of illustration,but not of limitation, exemplary embodiments of the present inventionare described in the accompany drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a football dummy produced inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a generally vertical sectional view taken substantiallythrough the center of the dummy illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3.3 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantiallythrough the center of a dummy provided with a modified handgrip;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view of thedummy and modified handgrip shown in FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially through thecenter of a modified dummy produced in accordance with the presentinvention.

With reference to the drawings, a football dummy 10 is generallydepicted in FIGURE 1. Dummy 10- comprises a generally cylindricalsemifiexible outer sheath 12 and a cover 14. Outer sheath 12 comprises agenerally cylindrical side wall structure 16 and an interconnectedbottom wall structure 18. Cover 14 comprises a top wall structure 29 andan interconnected depending generally cylindrical side wall structure22. The inside diameter of depending side wall structure 22 issubstantially the same as the outside diameter of side wall structure 16so that the cover 14 can be tightly fitted over the open end of sheath12 as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

Sheath 12 and cover 14 are preferably formulated of a water resistantvinyl-coated fabric material (e.g., a 32 Ounce white vinyl coating overa 1.06 cotton twill backing). Although the sheath and cover may be madefrom other semiflexible covering materials (e.g., nylon cloth), use ofthe described vinyl-coated fabric material produces a dummy havingespecially preferred characteristics.

Positioned within the space defined by cover 14 and sheath 12 is aone-piece preformed resilient core 2 (see FIGURES 2 and 3). The core 24is generally cylindrical and is adapted to completely fill the spacedefined by cover 14 and sheath 12.. Core 24 may be formed of any of thewell-known polymer or rubber foams (cg, foam rubber or vinyl foam).However, polyurethane foam is especially preferred in that aparticularly durable, yet resilient core may be obtained therewith.

The various parts of outer sheath 12 are sewn together in a conventionalmanner in order to form a durable, onepiece structure. Cover 14 isassembled in a similar man ner. If sheath 12 and cover 14 are fabricatedfrom the previously described semifiexible vinyl-coated fabric, adurable, weather resistant protective covering for core 24- is provided.

Closing means are provided in order to detachably interconnect cover 14and sheath 12. Thus, a first plu rality of eyelets 30 (see FIGURE 1) isprovided in cover 14 and a second plurality of eyelets 32 (see FIGURE 2)is provided in side wall structure in of sheath 22 at pointscorresponding to eyelets 3% in side wall structure 22 of cover 14. Alace 3- (see FIGURES l and 2) is passed alternately through eyelets 3t32, in order to firmly connect sheath 12 and cover 14 and is tied at anappropriate point (preferably inside sheath 12). In this manner, aunitary structure from which foam core 24- cannot be removed is formed.

Lace 34 may be untied for the purpose of disassembling the componentparts of dummy 10. Thus, if the semifiexible fabric outer sheath isdamaged, the foam core and cover may be reused simply by reassemblingthe dummy with a replacement outer sheath.

As shown in the drawings, a pair of handgrips 40 are attached to sidewall structure 16 of sheath 12 in order to provide means for holding,lifting, and carrying dummy It). Each handgrip 4t} merely comprises arelatively narrow strip of flexible fabric (see FIGURES 1-3) which issewn at its upper and lower ends to the side wall structure 16 in orderto form a loop through which the holder may slip his hand in order tograsp the dummy.

A preferred form of handgrip t} embodying protective covering means isillustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5. Grip 50 comprises a semifiexible handlemember 52, preferably formed of a semifiexible vinyl-coated broken twillfabric. Handle 52 has a generally L-shaped hollow center (see FIGURE 5)and is provided with a fiap 5 which extends along its upper and loweredges and along one side as well. Handle member 52 is attached to sidewall structure 16 along flap 54 by conventional means (e.g., by sewing).A preformed resilient foam pad 56, formed of any of the previouslydescribed foam materials, is provided in the generally L-shaped hollowcenter formed in the handle 52 in order to provide the protectivepadding for a hand inserted in a gripping pocket 58.

In using the grip 50, a hand or fist is merely inserted into pocket 58,so that when a force impacts against the dummy, the holders hand isprotected. Thus, grip 50 provides an added safety feature of the presentinvention.

While a typical dummy constructed in accordance with the presentinvention (e.g., dummy 1%? as illustrated FIGURES 1-3) is provided withtwo handgrips, an alter native arrangement involves the provision ofthree handgrips (each preferably in the form of protective grip 50) 4 atequidistant points on the circumference of outer sheath 16.

A modified dummy 60 is illustrated in FIGURE 6. Dummy 64 comprises anouter sheath 62 having a generally cylindrical side wall structure 64and an interconnected bottom wall structure 66. An inverted inner sheathea, having a generally cylindrical side wall structure 70 and aninterconnected top wall structure 72, is also provided. A resilient foamcore 74 is disposed within inner sheath 625. A pair of handgrips 82 areprovided on outer sheath 62.

A cover 76, comprising a top wall structure 78 and a generallycylindrical depending side wall structure 80, is attached over the openend of sheath 62. A lace 84 is threaded through a plurality of eyelets(not shown) in order to interconnect cover 76 with outer sheath 62. Inthis manner, the core '74 is firmly covered and protected by the innerand outer sheaths.

The inside diameter of inner sheath 68 is substantially the same as thediameter of foam core '74, and the inside diameter of outer sheath 62 issubstantially the same as the outside diameter of inner sheath 68. Theinside diameter of cover 76 corresponds to the outside diameter of outersheath 62. Thus, the various component parts of the dummy 6% smoothlyfit together as shown in FIG- URE 6, and, when assembled, formv astrong, durable and useful piece of athletic equipment.

Utilization of inner sheath 68 in addition to outer sheath 62 provides areinforced dummy having an increased useful life thereof. It isespecially preferred that inner sheaths be provided for relatively largedummies.

The durability of dummies produced in accordance with the presentinvention is a substantial advantage thereof. The vinyl-coated fabric ofthe sheath and cover is, of course, subject to wear and tear (as is thecanvas from which dummies are conventionally fabricated). However, whenthe outer sheath rips or tears, the interior core of the dummy is notlost due to the unitary nature of the resilient foam core.

In addition to the increasing durability and long life of the dummies ofthe present invention, the use of the preferred vinyl-coated fabric inproducing the outer sheath serves to weatherproof the dummy. Thus, thedummy may be left out of doors in all sorts of inclement weather withoutincurring damage.

Another especial advantage of the dummies of the present invention isthe maneuverability that results from their light weight. Thus, they maybe employed in little league and junior high school football programs,as well as in high school, collegiate, and professional footballprograms. Conventional stuffed canvas dummies are so heavy as to beimpracticable for use in football programs involving relatively youngparticipants. Thus, the dummies produced in accordance with the presentinvention fulfill a need not met by conventionally employed dummies.

Also, dummies in accordance with the present invention may be producedin a number of sizes and relevant shapes depending on the use for whichthey are intended. For example, a dummy which might be employed by alittle league or junior high school football team would standapproximately 52 inches high and would be 10 to 12 inches in diameter.Such a dummy would weigh approximately 5 pounds. Another (and slightlylar er) dummy which might be employed by college or professionalfootball teams would stand 42 inches high, but would be 14 to 16 inchesin diameter. Such a dummy would weigh approximately 8 pounds. Finally, avery large dummy (i.e., a dummy about 54 inches high and 14 to 16 inchesin diameter) would weigh approximately 10 pounds. Conventional stuffedcanvas dummies of about the same size would weigh roughly ten times morethan the dummies of the present invention.

While several alternative forms have been described with reference tothe features of the present invention, it should be understood thatcombinations of the described alternative forms may be employed withoutdeviating from the teachings of the present invention. It should furtherbe understood that various other changes, variations, and modificationsin the structure and function may be effected without departing from thespirit and the scope of the present invention, as defined in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A dummy adapted for use in practicing football comprising:

a generally cylindrical preformed resilient core;

a semiflexible outer sheath having a generally cylindrical side wallstructure and an interconnected bottom wall structure, the insidediameter of the side wall structure being substantially the same as thediameter of the generally cylindrical core and the height of the sidewall structure being substantially the same as the height of the core;

a semifiexible cover having a top wall structure and an interconnectedgenerally cylindrical depending side wall structure, the inside diameterof the depending side wall structure being substantially the same as theoutside diameter of the side wall structure of the outer sheath, thediameter of the core being large relative to the thickness of the wallstructures of the outer sheath and cover, the core being disposed withinthe outer sheath and the cover being positioned over the open end of theouter sheath;

closing means for detachably interlocking the cover and the outersheath;

a semifiexible handle member attached to the side wall structure of theouter sheath and having a generally L-shaped hollow center portion, thesaid handle member having a mounting flap formed around three sidesthereof;

means attaching the said flap to the side wall structure of the sheathsuch that a gripping pocket is defined between the handle member and theside wall structure; and

a preformed resilient L-shaped pad disposed within the holly centers ofthe handle member.

2. A dummy, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing means comprises:

a first series of eyelets formed adjacent the lower edge of thedepending side wall structure of the cover;

a second series of eyelets formed in the side wall structure of theouter sheath adjacent the first plurality of eyelets; and

lace means passing through the eyelets of the first and second series,the ends of the lace means being tied together.

3. A dummy, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer sheath and coverare fabricated from a vinyl coated fabric material and the resilientcore is formed from a polymer foam.

4. A dummy, as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising a semiflexibleinner sheath having a generally cylindrical side wall structure and aninterconnected top wall structure, the inside diameter of the side wallstructure of the inner sheath being substantially the same as thediameter of the resilient core and the outside diameter of the side Wallstructure of the inner sheath being substantially the same as the insidediameter of the side wall structure of the outer sheath, the height ofthe side wall structure of the inner sheath being substantially the sameas the height of the core, and the said inner sheath being disposedbetween the core and the outer sheath.

5. A dummy, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inner sheath, outersheath and cover are fabricated from a vinyl coated fabric material andthe resilient core is formed from a polymer foam.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,574,046 11/1951 Logan 2732,586,283 2/1952 \Vynn 27355 2,904,337 9/1959 Canning 27355 OTHERREFERENCES Premier Products, Winning Football, May 1964, pp.

